Health Information Technology

The Saddleback College HIT (A.S.) Program is in Candidacy Status, pending accreditation review by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

General Information for the H.I.T. Program
The HIT associate degree program comprises of the 4-semester coursework certificate plus the general education courses needed to get the associate's degree as per the curriculum synopsis. Since the associate degree in HIT is a high unit degree (more than 60 units), it typically takes longer than 2 years to complete(see college catalog). The HIT degree prepares the student for employment as a health information professional with the knowledge and skills to accurately code diagnosis and procedures for the healthcare services provided to patients, and to collect, maintain, and analyze clinical data in electronic health records that physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff rely on to deliver quality healthcare. The program provides training through didactic instruction and directed practice. Facilities employing health information technology professionals include hospitals, ambulatory care centers, physician offices, long-term facilities, dialysis centers, public health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, medical supply companies, rehabilitation centers, managed care organizations, behavioral and mental health facilites, law firms, and insurance firms. Programmatic outcome results show that 90% of graduates expressed overall satisfaction of the program and entry level competencies were met. Employers were surveyed and 100% of them stated that they would hire Saddleback College graduates if openings were available.

Program Goals and Objectives

The mission of the HIT program at Saddleback College is to provide comprehensive and high quality courses that enable students to become proficient and innovative health information professionals, and to prepare students to pursue advanced learning opportunites in the health information field and become lifelong learners.

A minimum grade of "C" in all courses is required to receive the certificate.

Associate in Science Degree
Completion of the certificate program and a minimum of 60 units including the general education requirements with an overall GPA of 2.0 qualify the student for the Associate in Science degree. A minimum of 12 units must be completed at Saddleback College.

General Education Requirements for Associate Degree
Refer to the Graduation Requirements or to the CSU-GE and IGETC patterns in the course catalog for specific courses which meet general education requirements. Refer to ASSIST.org and to the transfer institution's catalog for transfer requirements.

Due to the delay in the implementation of ICD-10, both ICD-9 and ICD-10 will be
covered in HIT 220 and HIT 221.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Health Information Technology (HIT) Orientation Meeting

AUGUST 10, 2015

9:30 - 10:30 AM

Health Sciences, Human Services Building

ROOM TBA

APPLICATIONS

Applications are being accepted at this time. Please submit them to the Health Sciences Division Office.

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